Congolese communities around the world came together on Monday in coordinated protests at Congolese embassies, calling for urgent international action to address the ongoing atrocities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The demonstrators demanded accountability from the Congolese government, better prison conditions, and an end to violence and systemic discrimination.
In Canada, Willy Manzi, the coordinator of the Congolese diaspora protests, led a demonstration urging the Canadian government to take a strong stance against human rights violations in the DRC.
“We know that Canada does not align with principles of oppression and injustice,” Manzi stated. “We are asking the Canadian government to hold the Congolese government accountable and encourage dialogue with M23, who are fighting for families that have been in refugee camps for 30 years.”
A central focus of the protests was the plight of the Congolese Tutsi community, with demonstrators accusing the government of marginalizing them.
Protesters argued that systemic discrimination has left Tutsis vulnerable to violence and exclusion, despite their heritage and contributions to the country.
The protests also drew attention to the horrific conditions in Congolese prisons, particularly Makala Prison in Kinshasa, which was condemned for its inhumane treatment of detainees.
Many members of the diaspora voiced their frustration over being unable to contact or receive updates about their incarcerated relatives.
“Canada, you granted us citizenship because you recognized the terrible conditions in our country. Now, it is your responsibility to help protect us and our families who remain trapped in this crisis,” Manzi pleaded.
The protesters also called for the disarmament of armed groups, an end to the recruitment of child soldiers, and strong measures to combat corruption and gender-based violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Chants of “Stop killing children, stop armed groups, stop corruption, Congolese Tutsi lives matter!” resonated at protest sites.
Demonstrators urged international governments, including Canada, to hold Congolese authorities accountable and ensure the protection of the rights and dignity of all citizens in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Similar protests were reported at Congolese embassies in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, South Africa, and several other countries, as global outrage over the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continued to grow.
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